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Previous News: May 15, 2008
 Former Tenderfeet students with
their new teacher We are blessed to have the former Tenderfeet students sponsored in a school called Perijang. A Perijang teacher is using the old Tenderfeet building to continue the education of these vulnerable children (please see picture, right). Although the school fees at Perijang are only about $5 per month, it is still too much for these children's families, so scholarships are being covered through the generosity of Tenderfeet friends in California and Rhode Island.
Meanwhile, the children in Kibera who were sponsored previously are still being helped through the sponsorship program. For example, the families of Winslet Auma, Collins Onyango, and Brian Ochoki are receiving assistance in the form of food, rent, and clothing. We still have many especially needy children in need of a sponsor. To find out more, please click here.
 Boaz is going to the doctor
for his eye problem An important development in one child's life involves the treatment of an eye problem that Boaz Osiebe has faced for a long time. Last month, Mama Margaret took Boaz to the eye clinic where the doctor identified two different problems.
The first is the crossing of the eyes (strabismus), which is less urgent and we intend to get treated in due time. The other problem is a complication that could cause blindness if not taken care of.
Boaz returned to the clinic yesterday with Frank, and after a full day of endless waiting, some drops were put in Boaz' eyes to help determine the right treatment. Boaz will return on Friday when the treatment will begin.
Please pray for Boaz, that the treatment will be successful and his eyesight won't be affected. If you would like to assist with the medical costs, we would be deeply grateful. Please click here to make a donation to help out (type "Boaz" in the Donation Destination area).
Previous News: March 23, 2008
 Children at the new Riruta School You may notice that the website has been updated quite a bit to reflect the significant changes that have occurred during the past few months. Now that Mama Margaret and Tenderfeet are relocated in the Riruta area, the website needed to be refocused on the new realities of the school.
Things at the school in Riruta have been going well. There are now 25 students in the new Riruta school -- see picture to the right. You may recognize some of the names and faces from Kibera, and in fact several of the students have been relocated thanks to the Kenya Emergency Fund.
Mama Margaret is now assessing additional children in the area as candidates. The size limitations of the new building mean that a maximum of 45 children can attend.
Also, there are 31 students being sponsored in Kibera (pictured here).
After a tumultuous few months, the situation is now settling down. A peace agreement was signed by Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki which provides a foundation for stability and healing in a country that was torn apart by ethnic violence during the months of January and February.
Previous News: February 20, 2008
We are continuing to update the news on Tenderfeet at the blog. For regular updates, please click here.
Currently, things are calm, but tensions are remaining high and the possible demonstrations this week might set of another round of rioting.
Meanwhile, the innocent children of Tenderfeet are suffering, some losing their homes and going without food.
To help out, you can sponsor an emergency pack for $25. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Previous News: December 20, 2007
 Margaret's Family at the Funeral
The money they have raised, together with generous donations from wonderful friends in Rhode Island and Canada mean that the family now has enough to cover the funeral costs.
What seemed impossible only a few days ago is now a reality.
On behalf of Mama Margaret, thank you and God Bless you for your prayers and concern.
Previous News: December 12, 2007
A quick update on Mama Margaret. The previous news described the tragic situation of her father being killed. Since then, her family has been working hard at fundraising and have made some progress.
The money they have raised, together with generous donations from wonderful friends in Rhode Island and Canada mean that the family now has enough to cover the funeral costs. What seemed impossible only a few days ago is now a reality.
On behalf of Mama Margaret, thank you and God Bless you for your prayers and concern.
Previous News: December 9, 2007
 Shadrack and Mama Margaret
Tragedy has come again to Tenderfeet. The terrible news is that Mama Margaret's father was killed by thugs on Friday. He lived in a town 4 hours from Nairobi. After hearing the news, Margaret travelled to be at her parent's home with the family over the weekend.
Margaret's family has spent the weekend trying to comfort each other in their shock and heartbreak.
The family is now trying to raise funds for his funeral expenses which will be several hundred dollars. Please keep this situation in your prayers.
If you would like to assist Margaret in raising funds for the funeral, please contact dmitchell@lahash.net or you can make an online donation. For online donations, please choose "other" and type "funeral" in the Donation Destination field.
Previous News: November 18, 2007
 Winslet and Moses with their new shoes Now especially needy children like Winslet and Moses are receiving assistance with necessities such as food, clothing, and medical needs. For instance, thanks to their sponsors, Winslet and Moses got some badly-needed new shoes.
November is a busy month at Tenderfeet. In Kenya, it is the last month of the school year, and students of all ages are given standardized national exams that often have a big impact on their future.
The "top class" (oldest students) at Tenderfeet will be taking exams as they prepare for the next stage of their education -- primary school. Top class students have learned to speak, read, and write both Swahili and English, as well as basic math.
It is hectic for teachers and students alike. December is a vacation month, and in January the new school year begins.
 These mattresses are for the youngest kids These items include a refrigerator for storing leftover food, a kerosene stove for cooking school meals, and mattresses for the youngest childrens' naps.
Jane Nyambu administers the Trust and visited the school to and coordinated some of the purchases. These items will make a huge difference to the school! To see more, please click here.
 Shadrack has an MRI in November At this point, the neurosurgeon wants to ensure that after 8 months, the brain has healed properly. Please pray for Shadrack, that the MRI will go well and his progress will continue.
Shadrack's medical expenses are being covered by his sponsor, Corby's Castle, a Christian youth group in Houston. We thank God for these wonderful young people.
Also, please pray for Hezbon and Bonface Nyang'au, Frank Mumanyi and Hilda Zachary. These are four students who lived in a part of Kibera that burned down recently. Their families have lost their homes and the little that they owned is now gone.
Previous News: October 4, 2007
 Moses Mirigi needs a sponsor This comes in many forms, such as through sharing of food supplies, a little help with rent money, some funds for medical treatment, and counseling. Recently, an emergency fund has been established to assist families in dire situations.
It's become clear that some students and their guardians are particularly vulnerable, and as a way to reach out and lift up these families, Tenderfeet is establishing a child sponsorship program. For $25 per month, an especially needy child can be sponsored, providing desperately needed assistance for the family's food, clothing, rent, medical, and educational needs.
Children in the program are current and former Tenderfeet students as well as children whose families have been associated with the school. Only deserving children with responsible guardians will be sponsored. To sponsor a child, please visit TenderfeetKids.org/sponsor.
Also, a web album of Dax's visit to Tenderfeet is now available. To view it, please click here.
Previous News: September 29, 2007
I've returned from Kenya and am glad to be back in Texas. I had a wonderful experience visiting our amazing friends in Kenya.
I've created a web album of the students at Tenderfeet. To view it, please click here.
Previous News: September 25, 2007
Greetings from Kenya! Sorry if you visited this page in the last day or two, there were some technical problems. Last week, I visited Eldoret (the other Lahash project in Kenya) and have created two web albums. I am currently in Nairobi and visiting with Mama Margaret and the Tenderfeet kids.
Although not directly related to Tenderfeet, you may find the pictures from Eldoret interesting. If you would like to view them, please click here and here.
Previous News: August 31, 2007
Tragedy has come to Tenderfeet. Unfortunately, what has happened is not unusual in the horrible conditions of the slums.
 Jeffson Ochoki One of the parents of a student has died. Jeffson Ochoki is a 5 year old student at Tenderfeet, whose two older brothers had also attended the school. Mama Margaret has known and cared about this family for many years. Both parents were HIV positive. Their father's health has prevented him from working for some time now, and he has basically withdrawn from life, spending most of the time in bed, silently shutting out the world.
Their mother, Jane, had done everything possible to pick up the slack. She worked tirelessly as she struggled to earn enough to pay for rent and groceries. On a good month, she could earn $50-$70 by washing other peoples' clothes in a small washtub and doing other odd jobs she was able to find. With this income, the family might just get by, as long as there were no surprises or emergencies.
Unfortunately, the weather in Nairobi has been cold and damp for months (at almost 6000 ft elevation it often gets quite chilly). This, on top of her HIV, having her hands always in the cold water of washtubs as well as the unsanitary conditions of Kibera, probably led to Jane developing a case of pneumonia.
Because her family didn't have the $30 on hand that it would take to go to the doctor or get medication, her condition got worse and she died in her bed this week. Usually, when a parent or guardian gets sick, Mama Margaret and the Tenderfeet team (together with Lahash donors) spring into action and make sure the parent or guardian receives proper medical attention. Jacklyn Atieno (who is now much-improved) is a single mother whose life was recently saved this way. Shadrack's life was also saved through the brain surgery.
Time and time again, Tenderfeet has come to the rescue of the desperately ill. Sadly, Margaret was away on school business while school was out on break, and didn't hear about what happened until she got back and it was too late. Our hearts are broken by this cruel and needless loss of life. Now the four children are essentially orphans, since their father is physically and mentally unable to take care of them.
When you think that $30 probably could have saved Jane, it becomes clear how important every donation is. For more information about getting involved, please email dmitchell@lahash.net.
Previous News: August 19, 2007
 Mrs. Wambui, Sam and Leisha The next step is to measure the edges of the plot itself and where it lies on the map. This is supposed to take place tomorrow (August 20). Lahash treasurer Leisha Adams and her father Sam visited last week and met the landowner, Margaret Wambui. When the survey is finished, we should have a good idea of how much money must be raised to purchase the plot.
In other news, Shadrack is responding well to being taken off his medication. As mentioned before, following his surgery in March, has has been kept on medication to keep his body stable while it recovers. According to the doctors, everything looks good so far. What a long and difficult journey it's been, but what a blessing to see how well he is doing now!
 Collins' family has struggled Unfortunately, things have not gone as well for Jacklyn Atieno lately. Recall that Jacklyn's son Collins attends Tenderfeet, and she has received assistance while she struggles with her health problems. After seeing her health improve for a few months, she had a bad fall which has severely injured her legs. She was able to get X-rays which showed no bones were broken. However, the pain has been so bad, she has not even been able to walk. There is a chance it was a muscle or ligament tear.
Yesterday, Frank Atieli and Mama Margaret's husband Daniel took Jacklyn groceries and pain medication prescribed by the doctor (Mama Margaret is visiting a cousin out of town). When they arrived, the situation was quite serious. The family (Jacklyn and her two children) had run out of money and had not been getting enough to eat. Collins was crying because of his hunger and concern for his mother. Thanks to Lahash donors, the family received a real boost and is now eating better, and Jacklyn will get continued medical help. Please pray for this family that they will overcome the severe hardships they have been facing.
Previous News: July 26, 2007
This week wraps up the second three-month term of the year, with examinations and the busy activity that goes along with them. For the month of August, there will be a vacation period, though children will still be fed at the school. Many of the children travel with their family or guardian "upcountry" to visit relatives and friends in rural areas.
 Shadrack is in the home stretch In other news, August is the last month that Shadrack is taking his medication, which is quite expensive. Because Shadrack is doing so well, after August, the doctors will take him off of the medicine, and evaluate how his body responds. The hope is that he won't have any further significant problems with his diabetes or seizures.
Unfortunately, the balance in the Shadrack medical fund is now down to zero. So any donations to help with Shadrack's ongoing medical expenses, which include medication, doctor's appointments, and transportation, will be deeply appreciated. Please email dmitchell@lahash.net if you are interested.
 Margaret stands near the potential site The month of August will also mark a significant milestone in the history of the school. An area next to Kibera that has previously been illegal for development is being opened up by the government. Because of the incredible population density of Kibera, the land is highly valued.
As mentioned in previous news, landowners will be selling plots of approximately 60 feet by 80 feet, and Mama Margaret and the Tenderfeet team have been in discussions with one landowner known to Margaret. This landowner wants to assist Tenderfeet by offering the land at a discounted price of about $6500, nearly a third less than the going price.
The next step in the process is to pay for a survey of this land, which will serve as a deposit of sorts. The survey will take place in August. The goal following the survey is to raise the funds to purchase the land, which we are calling "Phase 2", with a target date of March 2008. More is coming soon on these developments.
Previous News: July 7, 2007
 From Left: Ronnie, Winslet, Tony, Rozelda, Sharon In particular, Winslet (second from left in the picture) lost her mother a few weeks ago and now is an orphan. She will be cared for by a relative. This brings the total number of students to 55.
In other news, the two young boys who have recently had surgery -- Shadrack and Ezra -- continue to do well thanks to the benefits of the procedures.
Other big news is that the 60 ft by 80 ft plot being considered for the new school site will be surveyed in early August. This process will determine the boundaries and help to see what plots are available nearby.
Even if this plot is all that can be purchased, it will still be a vast improvement over the current location. The plot itself is expected to cost around $6000. Tentative plans are that we hope to have raised the money to buy the land early next year. Stay tuned for more news when the survey is completed.
Previous News: June 28, 2007
 Ezra in recovery area We are making progress with the Ten for Tenderfeet sponsorship program, reaching 30% of our goal of 50 sponsors. This is allowing the school to operate smoothly and focus on education and student care, rather than just day-to-day school survival. Please join our sponsorship team or tell a friend to ensure the long-term success of the school and its students.
Speaking of the focus on education, Tenderfeet students just underwent mid-term testing. This is an intense period during the three month term of May, June, and July. Tenderfeet children are expected to strive for high achievement, and the teachers work extra hard to get the kids ready.
Some encouraging news is that Jacklyn Atieno, mother of a student at Tenderfeet named Collins, is doing much better. Thanks to some Lahash donors, she received medical care and her improved health has allowed her to return to regular work. Despite the many discouraging aspects of life in the slums, it's heartening to see a crisis averted. Instead of a situation where her two children might have even ended up as orphans, we now have a strong family unit and a chance for better days ahead.
Previous News: June 3, 2007
 Mama Margaret's son, Ezra This past week, the pediatric surgeon confirmed that Ezra needs a costly procedure as soon as possible to fix the root problem.
After Margaret has done so much over the years to care for hundreds of needy children, she now finds herself in the situation of depending on the help of others for her own child. She has been very reluctant to ask for help, but is unable to pay the full amount herself. Please keep in mind Mama Margaret works on a purely volunteer basis and receives no salary.
If you would like to find out more or assist with the expenses, please email dmitchell@lahash.net.
Previous News: May 28, 2007
 Kathy Switzer Kathy coordinated with Lahash and Mama Margaret to find out what the school's biggest needs are currently. Then she and her friends worked extremely hard before her departure to raise money and collect items for the children and school.
These remarkable efforts yielded funds to pay for the installation of running water and windows, and much, much more. The sisters arrived in Nairobi last week, and Kathy was also able to help at the school throughout her stay. She shares her experiences here. God Bless Kathy and Nicole and their kind, generous friends and family!
Previous News: May 19, 2007
 Jacklyn Atieno Despite her best efforts, she has been unable to earn an adequate living recently because of her health.
Lahash is assisting Jacklyn and her family in several ways: with groceries, household chores, and helping with medical bills. If you would like to help, please email dmitchell@lahash.net or visit this page to find out more.
In other news, an area clinic has had its nurses travel to area schools. The nurses distributed de-worming pills to the children (please see picture to the right).
Kathy Switz, a partner from Canada, and her friends have joined together to raise funds which will be used to have windows and running water installed at the school. Work began on Saturday, May 19. In fact, Kathy will be visiting Nairobi and Tenderfeet this week.
The water will be a huge help to the teachers who have had to haul water in everyday to prepare meals for 50 children, and the windows will help keep the school free of dust, rain, and Malaria-bearing mosquitoes.
Previous News: May 4, 2007
The children returned this week to school after Monday off, and the Labor Day holiday on Tuesday. This was their first chance to take class in the new building.
Be sure to check out the pictures here!
New partners are signing up every week for the Ten for Tenderfeet program, though we still have quite a ways to go. For only $10 per month, you can help ensure the Tenderfeet school keeps going strong. If you or someone you know might be interested, please click here.
Previous News: April 30, 2007
Construction is finally complete on the new building. Hooray! Be sure to check out the new pictures.
Monday, April 30 is a school holiday, and Tuesday is Labor Day in Kenya. School will resume on Wednesday, May 2, and will be the first day in the new school. It's been a long road, but it's great to make it at last.
American Idol, the hit TV show in the U.S., recently visited Kibera and featured their visit on the "Idol Gives Back" episode. If the clip becomes available, we will provide a link.
Although Tenderfeet doesn't benefit directly from the money raised, the additional awareness about Kibera as well as the fundraising for Malaria and AIDS will help everyone struggling with these problems.
Previous News: April 25, 2007
Construction continues on the new building.
Plywood was installed on the walls. In the next few days, lighting, a latrine, and the kitchen should be completed.
If all goes according to plan, the children will be attending school in their new building for the first time on Monday, April 30.
Edwin was very sick with Malaria for several days, but has recovered and is feeling much better now.
Previous News: April 19, 2007
First, please note we have officially launched the Ten for Tenderfeet sponsorship program. Please check it out and see how you can join the Tenderfeet team in serving the desperately poor children of Africa's largest slum.
The school resumed this week. Classes are still meeting at the church, and though the pastor has allowed them to stay a few more days, they are expected to move out as soon as possible.
Some construction remains for the new building. Plywood must be put up on the walls to protect the children from being injured by the bare metal edges. In addition, a latrine needs to be completed, and wiring needs to be installed for classroom lights. Lastly, the kitchen will need to be finished.
Previous News: April 4, 2007
The Tenderfeet school is still at the church awaiting the new floors to be installed in the new building. Matters have been put on hold as the Tenderfeet team has dealt with Shadrack's surgery and recovery, as well as the illness of both Mama Margaret's son Ezra as well as Teacher Karen's son, Ian. Fortunately, the church where the school is currently located has allowed Tenderfeet to stay several more days.
The school will be in recess on Good Friday, April 6th, and the following week. During the week school is out, the steps to move the school will be finalized. The children will still be fed while school is out, but no lessons will be taught.
Previous News: March 23, 2007
Good news! The lawyer was hired, and the lease agreement for the school's new building was signed Friday, March 23. This was a huge step for the school. The rented building -- though it still leaves a lot to be desired -- will nevertheless be a major improvement over the previous locations of the school.
Nick Kipkorir traveled seven hours by bus from Eldoret to assist Margaret with the paperwork and details. He was a big help to Mama Margaret during this stressful process.
The building is still partly under construction. The three rooms which will serve as classrooms are complete and will have concrete floors installed (currently, there's only dirt) in time for the arrival of the students on April 2nd. The remaining three rooms are still under construction by the landlord. They will eventually serve as a kitchen and additional teaching space.
Also, thank you for your prayers for Samantha, Mama Margaret's daughter. She has recovered from her illness and has returned to school.
More pictures and news are coming soon!
Previous News: March 20, 2007
It's been a hectic month at Tenderfeet. As you may recall, the school will have to vacate the church where they are currently located by the end of this month. So Mama Margaret has been searching for a new location, all the while shuttling Shadrack back and forth to the hospital for his MRI, test results, and waiting to talk to the surgeon (more on Shadrack here) .
 The new building. It needs some work. In addition, Margaret's 11-year-old daughter, Samantha, has been sick with Malaria.
Please pray for Mama Margaret, Samantha, Shadrack, and the Tenderfeet school. It's been a rough few weeks!
Hopefully, though, this difficult period has been the darkness before the dawn. Things are looking up -- Shadrack's surgery is likely to be next week, Samantha was treated at the hospital and seems to be on the road to recovery, and a new school location has been found.
Also, Mama Margaret and the Tenderfeet leadership team have been fortunate to recently have the kind assistance of Lahash's East Africa Coordinator, Edwin Angote (pictured here with Dan Holcomb, Lahash president).
The new location is a six-room building in the Kianda Area of Kibera. Each room is only 10 feet by 12 feet, so it will be a tight squeeze. But the school will certainly benefit from the increased stability.
The next steps in the move will come in quick succession. A lawyer needs to be hired, in order that a one-year lease can be signed. This is to prevent any more arbitrary evictions, like the three that have occurred in the past year.
Next, a floor has to be poured in the new building, at least in the 3 rooms that will be designated as classrooms. Lastly, the school furniture and supplies will have to be moved over to the new spot. Much more on the move will be shared as events unfold.
There are definitely some financial hurdles ahead. The lawyer will cost around $250, the floor will be around $400, and the rent at the new facility will be $180 per month. If you would like to get involved, please contact Lahash. Also, please stay tuned as we roll out a new sponsorship program in the next few weeks.
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Last Updated: March 23, 2008
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